10 year celebrations for Griffith Central Preschool

Griffith Central Preschool celebrated ten years of operation on Tuesday 15 April, inviting families past and present to attend a day of celebrations which included entertainment, catering, a jumping castle, and the opportunity to catch up with friends both new and old. 

The preschool’s current manager Allyce Clark gave a speech outlining the history of the preschool, which dates back to 2006 when sister service Dorothy Waide long day care was asked to take over the management of PCYV Brightsparks Preschool and the Cubby House Occasional Care service.

“While the occasional care service was not viable, the preschool held great potential – and with new funding opportunities available in the following year, the dream of growth began to take shape,” Ms Clark shared with local news source Region Riverina. 

In 2007, the former Ex-Servicemen’s Bowling Club came up for tender, Griffith Child Care Centre Inc. seized the opportunity to secure the rights to access and refurbish the facility. 

“The combination of capital funding and the support of funds raised by the former Brightsparks preschool parents played a key role in making this possible,” Ms Clark said. 

Local architects Sherene Blumer and Troy Patten designed the transformation of the facility, with work carried out by local builders Mark Tyndall and Jim Shannon. Local materials were prioritised in the build, with subcontractors drawn from the local community also. 

The preschool launched in 2015, with 29 students, with numbers quickly rising to 40 where they have remained ever since, continuing to enjoy a strong reputation in the community and attracting an extensive waitlist. 

“We have the perfect location right in the centre of town, close to everything; we can go for a walk to the art gallery or library,” Ms Clark explained. 

“Over the last decade, Griffith Central Preschool has been fortunate to have had some truly remarkable and dedicated educators. It’s thanks to the passion and commitment of both past or present educators that we are who we are today,” she concluded. 

“Every individual who has worked with us has contributed to shaping the service we provide, and together, we continue to strive for the best for our community.” 

Access the original coverage of this story here.